Broadband News

BT Wholesale to test ADSL capabilities out to 10km

BT Wholesale has announced details of a trial that may well bring 0.5Mbps ADSL services to lines as long as 10km. The new trial is based on research from the Adastral Park BT Labs that show ADSL
working on lines of 10km length, along with comparisons of ultra long reach services abroad.

Initially the trial will be centered on Milton Keynes, due to the fact that around 18% of people in that area are out of reach of the existing services which currently extend to around 6km (more
accurately a 60dB signal attenuation). The trial will have 1000 places, and those people in the Milton Keynes 01908 STD code area interested in taking part should visit http://www.bb4mk.org/bttrial to register interest.

Nick Hubbard, action group co-ordinator in Milton Keynes is quoted as saying “We have hundreds of people desperate to get broadband who will be very eager to take part in the trial. Lack
of broadband because of long lines is a very hot issue here in Milton Keynes and we’re very happy to be involved in this project which will not only solve some of the issues locally but for
people with similar frustrations right across the country.”

Service providers are being canvassed to see who is willing to provide a service to consumers on the trial, and the participating providers will be announced on May 11th 2004.

A full copy of the press release can be read in our Announcements forum here. Discussion on
issues arising from the trial should be discussed in our BT Wholesale section.